Introduction

You’ve seen them countless times – those ubiquitous “How to Start a Blog” posts. Each one spins a similar yarn, suggesting a seemingly straightforward beginning: first, pick a niche, then simply give it a name as if finding a name is an afterthought, a task of little importance.

Trivializing the process of naming your blog is a gross understatement of its importance and annoys me greatly. It disregards a name’s crucial role in defining and shaping your blog’s public perception and appeal, which is criminal. You must recognize the profound influence a carefully selected name has on both the early success and the very identity of your blog.

In the realm of professional marketing, the reality is starkly different. Marketers painstakingly deliberate over the naming of new products, often for weeks. This process typically involves extensive brainstorming sessions, soliciting consumer ideas, and even using the atlas for inspiration. I know – “I’ve been there – done that.” 

For a marketer, the product’s name is its first handshake with the target audience. It’s the first contact point on a brand journey they hope will turn their prospect into a devoted user. It’s vital to any product’s initial success, including your blog.

Unfortunately, great names are hard to come by.

Finding the perfect name for a blog is a challenging feat. However, all names are made up of words, so the first step is to curate a list of appropriate words for your niche.

You need to find one or more words that, when combined, convey your blog’s brand message. It might not be a real word but a merging of two words, a portmanteau like Microsoft (Micro-computer Software) or Intel (Integrated Electronics).

But initially, a brand name begins as a list of words.

So, how do you go about creating your list of words? There are several inspirations you can use. Here is one method that I have employed in the past: The Image Trigger Method.

I hope you find it useful.

I’ll use an example to show you how it works.

The Image Trigger Method

You are interested in starting a blog about wine.

The blog will delve into the nuances of good versus bad wines, the winemaking process, renowned wine regions, wine-themed holidays, and everything wine-related. A fitting name is crucial to encapsulate this rich and flavorful world.

Start by generating a “seed word” list. This is a short list of simple common words related to the niche. Then go to Google, search using the seed words, and click on the images tab.

Let’s start with the seed word “Wineries”.

Here is what I get.

Looking at these images, I begin jotting down any ideas, words, or phrases that come to mind. At this point, DO NOT BE JUDGEMENTAL. Don’t think about whether the word is a good one or not; that comes later. Just write down words.

Here is what I see from this first set of images.

• all in a row,
• craggy vines,
• romance in the vines,
• four barrels in a field,
• rows of vines,
• taste the grapes,
• posts and vines.

Stop when you run out of ideas; there is no need to force it.

Remember, don’t be judgemental at this stage. Just write down your words and phrases.

Now, pick another term from your seed words.

This time, let’s use the term ” grapes.” Type it into Google and click the images tab; I get something like this.

Write down the words that come to mind.

• black grapes,
• grape bunches,
• pod,
• rows,
• grapes in a basket,
• a handful of grapes,
• bunches of grapes.

You can quiz Google further to help generate more words. Ask Google things like;

What is the name of a bunch of grapes? That would create more words like;

• cluster,
• bowl,
• basket.

Here is another set of images from the seed word “making wine“.

This time, I get;

• vine to barrel,
• wine press,
• the crush,
• foot,
• squeeze,
• handfuls,
• rich red,
• stacked barrels.

Last, I’ll use the term – “tasting wine“.

Now I get;

• sniff and sip,
• wine glass row,
• sniffing pleasure,
• smile and sniff,
• on the ice,
• the joy of wine.

This last set of words is robust because of the emotive aspects of the words created. Words that evoke feelings, imagery, or related experiences can produce a deep connection with your audience.

The Creative Leap: Turning Words into a Memorable Blog Name

Now, it’s time to transition from word creation to name generation. This is where the real creative challenge begins. Crafting a great name is an artistic endeavor; sometimes, inspiration strikes unexpectedly, but more often than not, it’s a rigorous process of experimenting with various combinations until one resonates just right.

This is a familiar journey for any product manager who has ever launched a new product.

As a blogger with a focus on profit, you assume the role of a product manager. The naming of your blog is a critical process. If you get it right, it will significantly bolster your brand, simplify the connection with your audience, and facilitate promotion.

In the next issue of SQUEEZE, we will look at several measures for turning your word list into a brand name.

This is one of many tips from the System 6 course – Finding the Right Name.

Up next in the branding series: Finding Your Blog’s Identity Part Two. Mastering the Art of Word Fusion for Blog Branding